BILL REQ. #:  H-0588.1 

Read first time 01/20/2005.   Referred to Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to arson; amending RCW 9A.48.020 and 9A.48.030; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 9A.48.020 and 1981 c 203 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A person is guilty of arson in the first degree if, while manufacturing or attempting to manufacture a controlled substance in violation of the uniform controlled substances act under chapter 69.50 RCW or if he or she knowingly and maliciously:
     (a) Causes a fire or explosion which is manifestly dangerous to any human life, including ((firemen)) fire fighters; or
     (b) Causes a fire or explosion which damages a dwelling; or
     (c) Causes a fire or explosion in any building in which there ((shall be)) is at the time a human being who is not a participant in the crime; or
     (d) Causes a fire or explosion on property valued at ten thousand dollars or more with intent to collect insurance proceeds.
     (2) Arson in the first degree is a class A felony.

Sec. 2   RCW 9A.48.030 and 1975 1st ex.s. c 260 s 9A.48.030 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A person is guilty of arson in the second degree if, while manufacturing or attempting to manufacture a controlled substance in violation of the uniform controlled substances act under chapter 69.50 RCW or if he or she knowingly and maliciously causes a fire or explosion which damages a building, or any structure or erection appurtenant to or joining any building, or any wharf, dock, machine, engine, automobile, or other motor vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, bridge, or trestle, or hay, grain, crop, or timber, whether cut or standing or any range land, or pasture land, or any fence, or any lumber, shingle, or other timber products, or any property.
     (2) Arson in the second degree is a class B felony.